Coffee Foam

Coffee foam, also known as coffee cream or shakerato coffee, is a cold drink that is highly appreciated especially during the warm months for its intense taste and its soft and frothy texture. Here’s how to prepare it in Italian style.

Ingredients

• 50 ml of cold espresso coffee (about 2 espresso coffees)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (or icing sugar for a finer consistency)
• Ice to taste
• Whipped cream (optional for garnish)
• Cocoa powder or coffee nibs (optional for decoration)

Preparation

1. Prepare two espresso coffees and let them cool completely. You can accelerate the cooling process by placing them in the refrigerator or using an ice water bath.
2. Once cold, pour the coffees into a shaker.
3. Add granulated sugar (or icing sugar, if you prefer).
4. Also add some ice cubes if you want the drink to be very cold.
5. Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This process is crucial to create the characteristic dense foam.
6. Remove the ice cubes (if present) and pour the coffee foam into a tall, cold glass.
7. If you like, you can add a dollop of whipped cream on the top for an extra touch of indulgence.
8. Decorate with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or coffee nibs for a more professional look.
9. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and creaminess.

This drink, especially in the version without cream, is extremely popular in Italian cafes during the summer, and many consider it a sort of “drinkable tiramisu.”

Remember that the key to a perfect coffee foam is vigorous shaking: the longer you shake, the thicker and creamier the foam will be. It’s one of the magics of physics applied to gastronomy!